Making a match: trends in the application, interview, and ranking process for the neurological surgery residency...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Specialties
• Residency Matching

Background:

• Neurosurgery is a highly competitive residency with low match rates.
• Understanding applicant and program director perspectives is crucial for improving the match process.

Purpose of the Study:

• Analyze trends in the neurosurgery residency match process.
• Identify factors influencing applicant selection and ranking.
• Examine shifts in applicant priorities over time.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of NRMP data (2010-2020), including applicant/program director surveys and ACGME reports.
• Categorization of applicants into US senior medical students and independent applicants.
• Dichotomization of cohorts into matched and unmatched applicants.

Main Results:

• Overall neurosurgery match rate was 65% over the study period.
• Matched applicants demonstrated significantly more publications.
• Applicants increasingly prioritized well-being factors in later years of the study.
• Program directors prioritized letters of recommendation and board scores.

Conclusions:

• Neurosurgery residency remains highly competitive with a 65% match rate.
• Applicant priorities have shifted towards resident well-being.
• Data-driven insights can enhance recruitment, program fit, and workforce diversity.